Golden Apple Award to HCPS Teacher of the Year
The Harford County Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Education & Scholarship Breakfast on Friday, June 10th at Harford Community College. This event celebrates the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation scholarship recipients and recognizes the Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Furthermore, the event serves as an opportunity for the business community to gather and network with future leaders while supporting educational development in Harford County.
Through the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation (501c3) and sponsors, scholarships are annually awarded to deserving Harford County high school seniors, returning adults, and returning veterans. In addition to businesses that directly sponsor scholarships through the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, the Harford County Chamber secures scholarship funds by hosting an annual Mini Golf tournament at Mountain Run Mini Golf. This year’s fundraiser, sponsored by Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra, was held at Mountain Run Mini Golf and generated $4,000.00. As a business association, the Harford County Chamber is proud to offer these scholarships toward the continuing education of our local men and women who will become contributing members of our local business community.
The Harford County Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to the 2022 scholarship sponsors: Harford County Public Library – Returning Adult; Freedom Federal Credit Union (2) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics & Business, Finance, & Information Technology; APG Federal Credit Union – Freestate ChalleNGe Academy; Towson University in Northeastern Maryland – Teacher Education; and the Harford County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation – Arts, Media, & Communications/Health & Human Services/ Dr. William B. Seccurro Teacher Education/Business, Finance, & Information Technology. The Education and Scholarship Breakfast was sponsored by Towson University of Northeastern Maryland and Harford Community College.
The breakfast began with remarks from Dr. Theresa Felder, President, of Harford Community College. Next, Ashley Gereli, the Harford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, addressed attendees and highlighted her passion for inspiring the next generation of leaders through education. With touching remarks, she encouraged students to be “marigolds”. The marigold flower is often referred to by gardeners as a companion plant, a plant planted with other vegetables to help them grow by warding off pests. She encouraged students to encourage and support each other in their educational journey saying, “if you can find at least one marigold in your school and stay close to them, you will grow. Find more than one and you will positively thrive.” Ms. Gereli has taught at Harford County Public Schools for 6 years and is currently a special education teacher at Churchville Elementary School. She was honored with The Golden Apple Award for her teaching excellence. The award was presented by Golden Apple sponsor and Harford Chamber Board Chair, Lee Tayson, of Comparion Insurance Agency.
Special guest, Chiwy Webster, Co-Director of First Ladies of Edgewood, shared the successes of her program and graduates this year. First Ladies of Edgewood is a mentor-based program at Edgewood High School that aims to empower young women to become extraordinary in their homes, school, and community. Understanding that these young ladies have a say in their future, the program includes ways to improve their school year, community involvement ideas, and dreams and plans for college or life after high school.
About the Harford County Chamber of Commerce: The Harford County Chamber of Commerce has worked continually as the recognized voice of business in Harford County since 1976. The Harford Chamber is the premier business advocate in the county, helping members connect and thrive to create a vibrant economy across all sectors. For more information, please contact Lauren Bottcher at lauren@harfordchamber.org.
